My dentist suggested I get a water flosser. Do you have one? What model is it? What do you like/dislike about it? Any tips on using one? Thanks for any input you can provide!
We’ve used a Sonicare Cordless Power Flosser 3000 for a couple years and like it.
Likes:
- Cordless means no more getting the tiny little hose tangled while flossing, which was always a point of annoyance for me with the traditional corded reservoir types.
- Battery lasts a long time (several weeks of daily use).
- Feels good and cleans well (relative to not flossing at all)
- Easy to refill
- USB-C charging means I don’t have to have a separate charger. It shares one with my phone & laptop & everything else. Useful on trips.
- Hasn’t really seemed to need any cleaning in the last 2 years or so (yuck, I know, but I’m truly lazy)
Dislikes:
- Reservoir is just a LITTLE too small to be able to finish the whole program of 4 preset quadrants. It usually runs out like 5 seconds too soon. This might not be an issue if you twist off the entire bottom and fill it all the way up, but I’m lazy and just pour water into the smaller hole, which can’t quite fill it 100%, only like 90%.
- Still doesn’t catch as much plaque as real flossing would. I have shitty, misaligned teeth that can’t be easily flossed with string or even flossers, though, so it’s really this or nothing…
I chose this brand only because I wanted a cordless one with USB-C. When I last checked, it didn’t look like Waterpik made any. I had other Waterpiks in the past, and this one feels similar. Not sure the brand really matters all that much. It looks like some of the pharma chains also have their own house brands, and of course there’s billions of knockoffs on Amazon.
I’ve had a few different brands/models, my main considerations are price and portability for travel. Right now I have a couple (one for home, one stays in my suitcase) that I’m very happy with: YaFex Water Dental Flosser. Note there are several listings on Amazon, some come with a nice hard shell case, others with soft pouch, if that matters to you.
I use my Waterpik™ every evening. I use it after flossing but before brushing.
The primary purpose it to blast away any food, bacteria, etc. that is caught in the little pocket where the gum meets the tooth. So that’s one area you should be pointing the nozzle. Also point it between the teeth.
My only caution is this: if you have one or more crowns, use a fairly low pressure, as a high pressure could dislodge it. (I had this happen twice 
.) And around the crown, orient the nozzle downward, not “up into” the crown.
I had a couple of Waterpiks and didn’t like them. Broke down early, terrible controls, small reservoirs.
I switched to an H2OFloss. Worked fine for six years now.
Thanks for the responses, everyone. This is all very helpful.
I got this one Amazon.com
And really like it. I use it pretty much after each meal at home. I let my wife try and then she wanted one, and then my son asked for one, we all use them. It has enough water that I finish before it does. Battery lasts quite long. It’s amazing how much stuff it gets out, and how much cleaner my mouth feels after.
One other use I have found for it, it is excellent for cleaning finger nails, but needs to be contained, which I use the shower stall when I use it for that purpose. You just shoot the nail like you are shooting a water gun stream, just a lot more powerful. Hell it’s worth it just for that feature alone.
I’ve had one for a couple of years now and I’ve used it maybe 15-20 times.
I’ve tried to like it but I just can’t get used to it. Too much splish-splash, too much rigamarole to use/store/maintain, and I’m not crazy about the way it feels against my gums.
I’ll stick with the simple convenience of toothbrush and floss sticks.
mmm
I bought one at my grocery store. It’s handheld, and battery operated. I use it in the shower. I do 2 rounds: the first with just water, and the second with water and a capful of mouthwash.
Since I’m in the shower, I don’t have to worry about slobbering. Highly recommend.
I also don’t think you need to spend a ton (mine was about $30). I don’t imagine that there’s some huge gap in quality amongst the brands.
I’ve been using the Waterpik Aquarius model WP-660 for about 2 years. I use it twice daily after flossing followed by brushing. Not only do I like it but my dentist told me my gums look much better after 6 months of use.
I’ve been using a water flosser for many a year, and have blasted a crown or two out of position. 
I have a question. Whats the best way to clean the place where the tank connects as well as the internal passages? I get a slight pink color around the tank connection, and I know that’s mold, so want to keep it clean.
I’ve used mouthwash on occasion, but not sure it’s doing the job. Do they make a clean I can run through on occasion? Peroxide solution?
I think they were originally meant for people with braces. I dont use mine, it’s too messy, takes up too much space, and is unwieldy.
Although a battery powered one, to use in the shower is a great idea.
I have a standard old Waterpik, which I use twice a day unless I brush after my wife is asleep already. It’s pretty loud. I use it after brushing and regular flossing, and I still get lots of gunk out.
My hygienist said my teeth were very clean at my last cleaning, which is the first time that ever happened, so it must be working.
Have a cup ready to spit in. You’ll be surprised how quickly your mouth will fill-up.
I got my first water pik when I was 13. Orthodontist recommended it to clean my braces. Food gets stuck in them.
I’ve owned several models in the past 30 years.
I upgraded to a rechargeable last year.
If water pik I’ve owned has a very annoying drip where the pik plugs into the handle.
It will drench your shirt.
Thanks again, everyone.
Wirecutter had water flosser recommendations today. Their top picks: Waterpik Ion, Waterpik Aquarius Professional and Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 3000 Cordless, for anyone lurking in this thread. Budget pick was Waterpik Cordless Express.
The Aquarius was one my dentist mentioned, but it seems like most people prefer the small cordless models.
I love wirecutter, but a few days ago my Waterpick Cordless Express pump stopped working. I need to play with it, but I’ve only had this a few months.
That said, I am a big fan of a water flosser to use in the shower. Don’t have to worry about where the water drains or anything. I brush my teeth in the shower as well.
That explains why your toes are minty fresh!